Law & Human Rights International Work Experience

Our legal internships and human rights internships are open to people of all backgrounds and skill levels. To join a project, all you need to do is check that you meet the requirements, and fill in the application form. Our Project Experts are here to assist if you need help finding human rights or law volunteer opportunities that fit your goals.

Curious about whether this is a good match for you? If you tick one or more of the options below, then the answer is yes!

• You’re interested in law placements for undergraduates
• You’re asking yourself “Where should a first year law student intern?”
• You’re eager to take on a human rights internship for undergraduates
• You’re looking for an exciting twist on a law gap year programme
• You’re a graduate or professional wanting legal volunteer opportunities

You can also join if you’re simply wanting to better understand legal, human rights and social issues in developing countries.

Adding international work experience to your CV will strengthen applications for school or jobs, and give you fascinating points to talk about in essays and interviews. It can also help you decide if you want to pursue a career in law or human rights.

You don’t need experience to join a law placement or human rights internship. You’ll be in a well-supported environment, working alongside professional lawyers, campaigners, and Projects Abroad staff. Your day-to-day tasks will see you doing things like, research, reviewing cases, and delivering presentations. You may also work on social justice campaigns to raise awareness of and create change around challenging issues.

Interested in something broader than a Law & Human Rights Internship? You may be interested in International Development Internships or Social Work Internships. Read our full list of internships abroad.

Most of our Law & Human Rights Internships run throughout the year, so we can easily accommodate anyone looking for legal work experience in the summer. Volunteer & Intern programmes are ideal for undergraduates interested in summer law internships, and our Teen Programmes offer internships at law firms for high school students.

Applying for a legal internship in the summer last minute? Read our blog about volunteering abroad on short notice, and what you need to consider.

A global internship gives you skills that prepare you for your next stage of education and career. You’ll also get unique international work experience that you can talk about at interviews.

Here are just some of the benefits that our previous interns talk about:

• Soft skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, organising, planning, and time management.
• Legal expertise in your chosen subject area.
• The ability to work and empathise with people of different cultures and backgrounds, helping to develop a ‘global mindset’.
• Confidence from pushing past your comfort zone.

All of the above will enhance your CV, university applications, and your personal development.

“I had the most amazing time in Argentina. I made memories that will last a lifetime. I met people who gave me perspective on my own life and my own direction. I felt inspired and challenged by the work I conducted and it has given me a new insight into my future career. The Human Rights Project is what you make of it and for any of you considering it; I would dive in head first and not look back.”

Aoife F, Human Rights in Argentina

At Projects Abroad, our first aim is to benefit the communities we work in. You can be assured that your internship is ethical and well supported. Here’s just a few elements of our work that set it apart from other internship programmes.

Be fully supported by staff

On our human rights and legal volunteer opportunities, you’ll work alongside professionals. You can observe them in their everyday work, ask questions, and hear more about their experiences. You’ll be given tasks that stretch and challenge you, but you’ll be supported to ensure you get real results. This is an incredible opportunity to learn through doing, while being mentored by experts.

Projects that have an impact

All our projects are well researched, targeted, and sustainable. We aim to make a difference to the local community for the long term. Your internship is an opportunity to genuinely make an impact on the lives of others.

I never expected the incredible opportunities that I was about to have while working at the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office (PAHRO). I learned more in my month of interning then I ever could have imagined. It was the first time in my life I felt like I was doing tangible work, and at the same time, I was actually touching the lives of people.

Emily D, Law & Human Rights in South Africa